Meatball Sub Zucchini Boats
These tasty zucchini boats are stuffed full with a mouthwatering blend of savory meatballs, marinara, and melted cheeses. The recipe calls for frozen meatballs, ensuring a super quick, but healthy, weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini halved lengthwise
- 1 bag frozen meatballs turkey or ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce Rao's, or another brand of your preference
- 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 c shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), divided
- 1/4 c diced onion
- 1 Tbsp fresh minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉.
- Using a large spoon, scoop out the insides of each zucchini half, placing the zucchini "pulp," into a large bowl. Note: If you're looking for a way to use up the insides of your zucchini, check out my Sauced post for Fudgy Zucchini Brownies in the link below.
- Place the zucchini boats in a large baking dish. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp. EVOO. Then, season with garlic powder, salt & pepper to taste. Bake at 350℉ for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the zucchini is mostly tender. Remove from oven.
- While the zucchini boats are baking, pour the remaining 1 Tbsp. EVOO into a large pot. Add the diced onion, and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until fragrant.
- Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the pot. Add the remaining spices, stirring well to combine. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low, simmering, uncovered, for at least 10 minutes.
- Then, add 12-16 frozen meatballs to the marinara sauce. Cover, and increase heat back to medium. Cook for 10-15 minutes more, until meatballs are heated through. Increase the oven temperature to 400 ℉.
- Fill each zucchini boat with marinara sauce and 3-4 meatballs each. Then, top them all with shredded mozzarella cheese, distributing the cheese evenly amongst each zucchini.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is browned & bubbly. (You can turn on the broiler for the last 1-3 minutes, if desired.)
- Remove from oven and garnish with shredded or grated Parmesan cheese. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.